Dark Days Ahead: TCN Cites Security Issues Delays Electricity Restoration In The North

Dark Days Ahead:  TCN Cites Security Issues Delays Electricity Restoration In The North

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has revealed that power outages affecting parts of Northern Nigeria will continue due to security challenges hindering repairs on critical transmission lines. Efforts to restore electricity through alternative routes have faced obstacles,……CONTINUE READING 

and TCN indicated that a complete resolution will take some time.

The ongoing blackout, which has lasted over four days, began after vandals damaged the Shiroro-Mando transmission line, an essential supply route for northern states. In an attempt to redirect power, TCN tried using the Ugwuaji-Apir 330-kilovolt (kV) double-circuit line. However, a tripping incident on this line has complicated power restoration efforts.

During a Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) hearing, Engr. Nafisatu Asabe Ali, the Executive Director of the Independent System Operator at TCN, explained that although the Ugwuaji-Apir line can transmit up to 750 megawatts (MW) of power, only 350 MW can currently be safely transmitted to Kano, Kaduna, and parts of Niger Republic due to voltage issues in Kano.

The Shiroro-Mando line remains out of service because the area where it was vandalized is still facing security risks. TCN has the necessary materials for repairs, but has been advised by the National Security Adviser’s Office that the location is currently inaccessible.

In the meantime, TCN is providing a limited 250 MW of power to the Niger Republic, and once the Ugwuaji-Apir line is restored, the maximum transmission capacity for the region will only reach 350 MW.

NERC Chairman Garba Usman expressed concern about TCN’s inability to prevent equipment failures, especially transformer explosions, which have significantly contributed to repeated outages. He urged TCN to implement stronger protective measures to prevent transformer fires that disrupt the power grid.

Separately, Joy Ogaji, Managing Director of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), noted that Nigeria has experienced 162 cases of grid collapse since 2013.

In response, the House of Representatives has called on the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to collaborate with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies to develop a strategic security plan to protect essential power transmission infrastructure across the nation.

This resolution followed a motion by Rep. Sani Umar Bala, who highlighted that vandalism has led to frequent power outages affecting businesses, socio-economic activities, and overall quality of life, imposing significant costs on the government.

The House also recommended deploying advanced surveillance systems, including drones and CCTV cameras, to monitor transmission lines in high-risk areas.